UPDATE: After the March 26, 2021 print edition of The Newtown Bee went to press, information was received that the recent announcement of the April 5 date for all adults in Connecticut age 16 and up to be eligible to receive vaccine has been moved up to Thursday, April 1.

As of March 23, Newtown remains in the red zone, indicating COVID-19 case rates over the last two weeks greater than 15 per 100,000. The Newtown Health District staff remains upbeat, though, with the 23 vaccination clinics held to date receiving positive responses from the public.

Newtown residents who are eligible for vaccination appointments should continue to preregister at newtown-ct.gov, according to the local health department, but explore other options at area drug stores and hospitals that may offer more convenient dates or times.

Governor Ned Lamont opened his March 22 COVID-19 update with a suggestion that spring breakers and spring vacationers “Stick around here,” and get tested before returning to Connecticut if travel does take place.

Although the daily positivity rate by Wednesday, March 24, was at 4.3%, up from the prior Thursday afternoon’s rate of 2.76%, on Monday the governor seemed to feel confident that Connecticut continued to move in the right direction. As of March 22, 36% of the population over 16 has been vaccinated with at least one dose, which the governor said, “Gives a little bit of protection,” and the state was on track to expand to all individuals 16-44 and up as of April 5.

Total doses administered statewide was at 1,587,762 earlier this week, with 584,155 of those fully vaccinated.

COVID-19-associated deaths as of March 24 statewide stood at 7,852, up seven from the previous day.

While rapid expansion of eligibility for vaccinations has created problems in some states, Lamont feels that Connecticut’s slower rollout of eligibility will avoid the issues that led, in some states, to a lower percentage of people getting vaccinated. He stressed, once again, that vaccines work and are safe.

Governor Lamont also noted during the March 22 update that he is more focused now on the number of hospitalizations than the positivity rate, so far as a need to rethink reopening plans if the numbers go up. Information provided on Wednesday showed current hospitalizations from March 23 to March 24 were up by nine, with a total of 412 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Of those, 108 patients were in Fairfield County.

Connecticut, the governor said, is unlike states that opened up and dismissed mask wearing.

“That’s not Connecticut,” he emphasized.

On March 22, the governor announced continued outreach efforts to the underserved communities in the state via Mobile Vaccination Vans. These mobile units will be able to administer 160 doses a day, said the governor. Josh Gabelle, COO of the Office of the Governor and commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services, clarified that the vans will work in partnership with local communities, giving as an example: If a church wanted to host a vaccination clinic, a van could be brought there, making it simple for people to get the vaccine. The mobile vans are part of the effort to ramp up distribution of vaccines, and one more resource to get vaccines out to the population.

Combined with what Gabelle said was extensive federal support already available and taken advantage of, as well as the American Rescue Plan, and along with the increased availability of vaccines through the mobile vans, it may mean that by late spring the state could have more vaccines than people who want one.

“We anticipate a future soon when everyone who wants a vaccine has one,” said Gabelle. He later added that providers are putting out more appointments every day, and encouraged people to continue to seek out appointments as eligibility expands.

Addressing the issue of variants, Gov Lamont observed that even in New York, they are not community spread, and that “vaccines still work pretty good.” He believes the state is keeping ahead of variants, though Gabelle also noted that 30-40% of infections in Connecticut now are attributed to the B.1.1.7 variant, also known as the UK variant.

The March 22 report indicated B.1.1.7: 283 cases (UK variant); B.1.351: 7 cases (S. African); P.1: 1 case (Brazilian); B.1.427: 1 case (California); and B.1.429: 3 cases (California) in the state.

“Don’t politicize vaccines,” Lamont urged, pointing out that even former President Trump had recently said that getting the vaccine was the right thing to do.

Vaccines “keep you safe, keep everyone safe,” said Lamont and expressed faith that over time, “peer pressure” to get a vaccine would overcome vaccine hesitancy.

Effective March 19 was a removal of capacity limits for religious, spiritual, or worship gatherings, but all must wear masks, and physical distancing remains required.

That date also repealed mandatory travel advisory and self quarantine, though the Department of Public Health recommends limiting travel.

Relaxation of certain capacity requirements/restrictions for restaurants, retail, libraries, personal services, gyms, museums, zoos, aquariums, offices also took effect, and face masks still required.

Private gatherings can now host 25 indoor/100 outdoors; commercial gatherings: 100 indoors/200 outdoors.

Beginning March 29 the capacity limits on early childhood classes increases from 16 to 20, and as of April 2, outdoor amusement parks can open; outdoor event venues bump up to 50% or 10,000 capacity; indoor stadiums to 10% capacity; and summer camps/festivals can begin planning.

“It will be a good spring,” assured Governor Lamont, so long as Connecticut citizens “maintain diligence.”

For the most up to date information on COVID-19, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Residents can also subscribe to text message alerts from the state by texting the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777. General questions not answered on the state website can be assisted by calling 211.

Anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 is strongly urged to contact their medical provider.